SNP Government by summer. Health Secretary Jeane Freeman had claimed 2000 would in post by June, but it emerged only 874 were available three months later.
Despite the lack of numbers, First Minister Nicola Sturgeon today insisted the testing network is effective and the public should have confidence.
The missed target was confirmed by Freeman after pressure from Labour MSP Jackie Baillie, who said the number of contact tracers is a "drop in the ocean" of what is required to effectively manage the virus.Freeman, in a written response to Baillie, said recruitment is "ongoing".